Parker Henderer- Turkey Vulture

Group

• Accipiter
• Scientific name is Cathartes aura

Size

• Length 26-32 inches
• Wingspan 62-78 inches
• Weight 1.4 kg

Field marks

• Red bald head
• Dark brown and black body

Diet

• Carrion, from small mammals to large grazers
• Recently dead
• Rarely kills its own prey
• Enjoys plant matter- pumpkin, shore line vegetation, etc.

Habitat

• Found in North America, South America
• Breed as far north as southern Canada
• Nest in caves, cliff ledges, forest floor

Interesting facts

• Large soaring bird
• Long wings and tail
• Head mostly unfeathered
• Does not use traditional nest but scratches an indentation in the soil
• One of the only birds in North America with a sense of smell
• Circling vultures does not necessarily mean a dead animal, sometimes they are catching thermals to save energy
• Sharp hooked beak for tearing food
• Does not have powerful feet for grasping prey

Migration

• Partial migrant
• Most commonly seen at Hawk Mt.
• Average of 200 turkey vultures seen at Hawk Mt.

Immature description

• Gray head with black tip of beak, dark feathers

(brown, black)

Personal experience

When I went to my Uncles family's house in Jamaica over spring break, we saw 15 turkey vultures, at least, perched on the separate villa from our house. My 2 year old cousin scared them away and they flew over to the Golf course and rode on thermals for a while. When we rode to the beach I could still see them soaring from the back seat of the golf cart.

Video and pictures

Links

• turkey vulture facts